French bishop saint sculpture in wood – popular religious sculpture. From late 18th century Start 19. Century

Bishop saint sculpture, popular religious sculpture, wood, France, late 1700/1800 period. Figurine is hand-carved from a single piece of massive, painted wood, and depicts Saint Gildas bishop saint wearing a mitre and cape, with a bishop's staff (crozier) and gospel book/bible.

Figurine is characteristic of the French popular religious carving tradition, "sculpture populaire religieuse". The base is painted black and bears a handwritten inscription: “Zt. Gweldas”, likely a local spelling of the Breton saint Saint Gildas from the Celtic-Christian tradition, where figurines like this were produced by local craftsmen, and sold at markets or at pilgrimage sites for pilgrims.

The original polychromy in reddish-brown, ochre, white and black has been preserved in its entirety, with natural wear and cracking as evidence of authenticity, age and use.

Measurements: 26,1×7,2x6 cm. Condition: see pictures.